Robert A. Welke served from 1996 to 1997 as State Transportation Director, during a critical period of streamlining operations in state government.

Throughout his 40-year career, he made numerous contributions to Michigan's transportation system. Under his leadership, the department decentralized its program and operational delivery activities through the creation of Transportation Service Centers. This effort resulted in activities being more focused on effectively meeting customer needs.

Welke was nationally recognized for his contributions in the use of recycled materials in highway construction. He also introduced the Adopt-A-Highway program to Michigan, which enlisted volunteer groups to clean Michigan's roadsides.

After retirement from MDOT, Gov. Engler appointed Welke to serve as chairman of the Transportation Funding Study Committee. The Committee's recommendation for extending the business practice of asset management to transportation was the catalyst for the creation of a statewide Asset Management Council.